Big White Ski Resort is all about the snow, 750cm/24.5ft of dry powder on average every year. Ski Canada Magazine repeatedly rates it "Best Powder" and Condé Nast Traveller readers have declared it the "best powder in North America".
Big White Weather
Located in the Monashee Mountains, 56km/35mi southeast of Kelowna, Big White is fully focused on winter sports. The snowboarding season reliably starts in late-November and runs through to outstanding spring conditions that last until mid-April. The resort's moderate base elevation (1755m/5758ft) contributes to comfortable temperatures averaging -5°C/23°F in winter. With the summit at 2319m/7606ft, low-lying cloud sometimes causes poor visibility. However, this occurs mainly in December. Through most of the season riders can count on blue sky and sunshine with the 1147ha/2834ac of skiable terrain generally facing south to take maximum advantage of light and warmth.
Awesome Terrain
Freeriders go easy or go hard. Over 70 per cent of the 118 marked runs are rated blue or green with areas set aside for beginners. But there's no shortage of black diamond action and nearly 10 per cent of runs are rated extreme with double black diamond adventure in the high powder bowls, especially off the Cliff Chair. While 55 runs are groomed daily, it's always possible to find a stash of hidden powder and regulars say that riding the fresh powder among the snow ghosts (snow-covered trees) is almost spiritual. Big White also provides lots of glade terrain. Ride in the trees just about anywhere on the mountain. Ski Canada has also repeatedly recognized this feature with awards for "Best Tree Skiing" and "Best Glade Skiing".
Around the World is the longest run at 7.2km/4.5mi; the maximum vertical drop is 777m/2550ft and 15ha/38ac of terrain is lit for night boarding.
For even more variety, Big White has teamed up with its sister resort, Silver Star Mountain Resort, for an inter-mountain day trip with shuttle service between resorts. Check at the Activities Desk in the Village Centre Mall for schedules.
Telus Park
Precision riders check out the 122m/400ft half pipe with 4m/12ft transitional walls. Beginner/intermediate and intermediate/advanced lanes are combined with lots of rails and jumps and the boarder/skier-cross course is good enough to tune up for World Cup events. The 2009 SBC Ski and Snowboard Report Guide rated Big White's Telus Park "Best Place to session a precision terrain park".
Fewer Crowds at Big White
With 16 lifts, including a gondola, a variety of six-, four- and two-pack chairs, T-bar and Magic Carpets – line-ups are reasonable even at peak times.
Ski & Board School
Learn to snowboard or hone those skills with group lessons. Big White also offers private coaching tailored to the boarder's individual needs and goals.
How to Get There
Take Highway 33 to the Big White Road junction. Follow Big White Road 24 km/15mi to the resort. The entire route is paved, but mountain roads suffer from frost heaves and get rough. Winter tires or chains are recommended throughout the season. Road conditions at higher elevations can be treacherous even when excellent in the valley. Shuttle bus service is available from Kelowna International Airport.